Denoting the current geological age, as the period during which human activity has been the dominant influence on climate and the environment
- One of those rare scientific terms that has entered the public consciousness, which is ironic, given that geologists have not yet fully defined it
- Various phenomena associated with this new epoch
- an increase in erosion and the movement of sediments associated with urbanization and agriculture
- unprecedented new materials, such as concrete, fly ash (a coal combustion product) and plastics, are now part of the sedimentary record
- impact extends to ecosystem changes such as rampant deforestation and the biodiversity losses
